"Madam Gui, please ask the third wife to come over." Old Madam Ren instructed Madam Gui.
Ren Yaoqi couldn't help but frown slightly, but Xiao Jinglin, who was sitting at the head, said, "No need, I've already met the Third Madam last time. Today I'm here to see Ren Yaoqi."
Mrs. Ren finally gave up and asked Xiao Jinglin with a smile, "Did the princess see Qi'er last time at the White Dragon Temple?"
Xiao Jinglin glanced at Ren Yaoqi and nodded.
"No wonder you get along so well." Old Mrs. Ren nodded with a smile.
Xiao Jinglin put down the tea bowl in his hand, stood up and said, "I want to invite Ren Yaoqi out for a trip. This is my first time back in Baihe Town, and I want her to take me out for a walk."
Xiao Jinglin's decision to go out for a stroll was completely normal, as if it was the most ordinary thing for her. In fact, although Yanbei didn't have the strict etiquette of Jiangnan, the ladies from the aristocratic families rarely went out for a stroll unless it was a major festival for the people to enjoy. After all, their status was there.
People at the time believed that only a woman raised in seclusion could be a gentle and polite lady, and no lady could be trained in the marketplace. This fact could not be changed even if the customs of the people were more open.
However, Old Lady Ren agreed without a second thought and said with a smile, "Why not let Yaohua and Yaoyin go with the princess? It will be more lively with more people."
Fifth Madam Lin hurriedly pushed her daughter forward and said, "Yes, yes, and our Yu'er, let's go too."
Xiao Jinglin glanced at the other sisters of the Ren family and refused calmly: "No need, I don't like Ren Duo, Ren Yaoqi is enough."
The Ren family had always longed for a connection with the Yanbei Palace. Old Madam Ren was eager for Xiao Jinglin to get along with all of her granddaughters, as this would help raise the value of the Ren family's daughters. Therefore, Xiao Jinglin's refusal disappointed Old Madam Ren, but she couldn't force it, so she repeatedly instructed Ren Yaoqi to take good care of the princess and fulfill her duties as a good host.
Although Xiao Jinglin had invited Ren Yaoqi, she had no say in the matter. Even if she didn't want to go, she would be forced to go by the Ren family. Having been a member of the Ren family for two lifetimes, Ren Yaoqi understood this very well. Fortunately, she wasn't the type to dwell on trivial matters and simply smiled at the thought.
Ren Yaoqi took in the different expressions of everyone in the Ren family. He lowered his head and obediently followed Xiao Jinglin out of Ronghua Courtyard.
I don't know if it was Ren Yaoqi's illusion. After Xiao Jinglin came out, she seemed to let out a long breath. Although Xiao Jinglin's face was expressionless, Ren Yaoqi, who was standing very close to her, still felt it.
Perhaps he was not used to dealing with these inner-house ladies? Ren Yaoqi remembered that Xiao Jinglin had lived in the border town all year round and rarely returned to the Yanbei Palace.
"Why is the princess coming to Baihe Town today?" Ren Yaoqi tried to break the silence.
In reality, she and Xiao Jinglin didn't even know each other; they'd exchanged fewer than ten words. And Xiao Jinglin clearly wasn't the type to get along. So, when they were alone together, the atmosphere was understandably awkward.
"Well, let's take a look." Xiao Jinglin's answer was very brief. It was obvious that he was not very keen on communicating with Ren Yaoqi.
Ren Yaoqi stopped asking her.
The two walked along in silence, just like they had when they first met, except this time Ren Yaoqi wasn't being led by Xiao Jinglin. Strangely, this silence seemed to suit Xiao Jinglin better, and the atmosphere was no longer so awkward.
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